Sydney Ncube

MIRROR REPORTER 

ZVISHAVANE– Great Dyke Athletics Club in conjunction with Agric 24 are set to host a marathon on  October 15, 2022, Mirror Sports can reveal. The marathon was confirmed by the club’s coach Maliakini Makunganya and Agric 24 Marketing Manager Prosper Chinyakata.

The race will feature clubs from Shurugwi, Gweru, Gwanda, ZRP Buchwa and Zvishavane. School pupils aged 15 to 20 years old will also feature in the marathon while the Walkathon will feature members from the surrounding areas. This is the first marathon that the two entities have organized together since their Union in 2021.

Great Dyke Athletics Club was founded in 2015 by former athlete-Stephen Phiri, Maliakini Makunganya, Kudakwashe Gwatirisa and Miriam Magwizi. The club has 30 athletes from nine years of age. Meanwhile Agric 24 is an Agribusiness with a focus on input supply and extension advisory support services, which was founded in 2020 by marketing expert Prosper Chinyakata and his partners. Currently it has three outlets in Zvishavane, Mberengwa and Kadoma.

Speaking to Mirror Sport, Chinyakata, said the partnership is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility and the marathon will help other brands market themselves.

“We are going to give them a token of appreciation for fulfilling their scheduled events in the form of cash, food hampers and fuel where necessary. We are also offering technical support to help them build a recognized Athletics Club. Previously we have paid school fees for one of the athletes Anotidaishe Musiiwa. He is one of the brightest prospects at the club. Agric 24 has partners that have pledged resources and prizes for the marathon. The event will be held in Zvishavane,” he said. 

He further appealed for resources from other companies to make the event a success while marketing their brands. 

“Those looking for advertising opportunities on the day we offer branded gazebos plus two teardrops at US$ 100. A gazebo only will cost US$ 75 while teardrops only cost US$ 50. Live brand activations plus gazebo package will be US$ 150. These branding packages may be paid in the form of prizes equivalent to the chosen package,” he said.